Hydroponics & Aeroponics - The Technology Behind the
AeroGarden...
The AeroGarden uses revolutionary Hydroponic and Aeroponic technology to
grow a variety of fresh herbs, vegetables, even flowers 5X FASTER than
normal soil gardening! Hydroponics and Aeroponics are changing the way we
garden and making it even easier for anyone, regardless of their gardening
experience to enjoy fresh, home grown produce.
So What Are Hydroponics & Aeroponics?
The definition of hydroponics is basically the growing of plants without
the use of soil. Researchers have observed that plants absorb nutrients as
simple ions in water. In natural garden conditions, soil acts as a
nutrient reservoir...but the soil itself is not essential to plant growth.
Plants are only able to absorb the nutrients in soil when the nutrients
are dissolved in water. When nutrients can be introduced into a plants
water supply, soil is no longer needed. So, instead of drawing nutrients
out of the soil, hydroponics allows nutrients to be added directly to the
water, eliminating the need for soil completely.
There are a variety of hydroponic techniques, one extremely effective
technique is aeroponics (a form of hydroponics).
How Aeroponics Differ From Hydroponics.
Aeroponics is a hydroponic technique that uses air in addition to water,
using sprayers, misters or drip systems to feed the plants roots directly
while they are suspended in the air.
In the AeroGarden hydroponic and aeroponic home gardens, the plant roots
are suspended in the air above a reservoir of nutrient rich water. A pump
delivers the nutrient solution via channels directly across the plant
roots, and then drips back into the reservoir. The AeroGarden's aeroponic
techniques are more effective than other hydroponics methods because the
increase aeration allows the plants to absorb more oxygen, which
stimulates growth and prevents algae from forming.
History of Hydroponics & Aeroponics
Hydroponic technology is not new. Many different cultures and
civilizations have used hydroponics gardening and growing technology
throughout the ages..."The hanging gardens of Babylon, the floating
gardens of the Aztecs of Mexico, and those of the Chinese are examples of
Hydroponic culture. Egyptian hieroglyphic records dating back several
hundred years B.C. describe the growing of plants in water." ("Hydroponic
Food Production" by Howard Resh, 5th Ed., Woodbridge Press 1997). In the
last century, researched have experimented with various hydroponic methods
in hopes to create a hydroponic system that would allow crops to be grown
"in non-farmable" areas of the world and in space. NASA has done extensive
research on hydroponic systems and has tested and proved aeroponic
gardening to be the most effective form of hydroponics.
Hydroponic garden systems have far reaching benefits and are currently
being implemented in areas of the world where is is difficult to farm -
due to lack of nutrients in the soil, or lack of water. Hydroponic
technology could potentially change the way the world grows food, and can
provide an easy and more effective way to feed the world in the future.
Until now, aeroponics & hydroponic gardening systems have been large,
complicated, and expensive. The AeroGarden by AeroGrow has spent 3 years
converting the revolutionary NASA-tested aeroponic (hydroponic) technology
into a simple, low-cost product for anyone with or without a
"green-thumb".
The AeroGarden Technology...
The AeroGarden has adopted and converted NASA-tested hydroponic and
aeroponic technology into an affordable, and easy to use home garden
system!
The AeroGarden is the 1st indoor, dirt-free garden system that includes
lights, which means that you can place it almost anywhere - even in a
pantry or darkened hallway! The AeroGarden uses compact fluorescent grow
bulbs specially designed for fast, healthy plant growth in the AeroGarden.
AeroGarden bulbs are extremely energy efficient. The AeroGarden grow light
system is automatically controlled by a built-in, control panel computer.
The lights go on and off automatically, giving your plants exactly as much
light, and darkness as they need.
"Plug 'N Grow" Bio Dome Seed System
The Aerogarden uses patented "Plug 'N Grow" Bio Domes that act as
mini-greenhouses and provide your plant with at perfect, humidity
controlled environment during germination.
Aeroponic (Hydroponic) Optimizing Chamber
The AeroGarden's Aeroponic optimizing chamber suspends the plants roots in
a 100% humidity, and nutrient rich environment. Nutrient rich water
circulates over the plant roots, and back into the reservoir, conserving
water and nutrients, and enabling oxygen to super-start plant growth.
AeroGarden Smart Garden Technology
The base of the AeroGarden employs a computerized control panel that takes
all the guess work out of your home garden experience. It is basically
like having a master gardener in your own home! All you do is select what
plant type you are growing, and the AeroGarden automatically adjusts the
water flow, and light settings to accommodate you plants. The AeroGarden
control panel eliminates the risk of under or over watering your plants by
telling you when to add water
